Umbilical cord blood banking and the next generation of human tissue regulation: an agenda for research
Stewart, C.; Kerridge, I.
Journal of Law and Medicine 19(3): 423-429
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 1320-159X PMID: 22558895 Document Number: 656949
The transformation of umbilical cord blood from being a waste product to being a valuable source of stem cells has led to the emergence of significant legal, ethical and social issues. This editorial proposes an agenda for research into the regulation of umbilical cord blood banking which focuses on issues of characterisation, consent, the interplay of public and private services, and the importance of applying property concepts. It concludes by stressing the need for reform to be based on well-informed public debate.